Beer and Brat Festival kicks off summer at Crystal Mountain Resort

Courtesy photoFestival-goers enjoy the day at the Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. This year's event is 2-9 p.m. on May 28.

THOMPSONVILLE -- Beer, brats and live music outdoors are a perfect combination to launch summer. And the sixth annual Beer and Brat Festival on May 28 at Crystal Mountain Resort has them all.

The festival at the northern Michigan resort will feature more than 50 of Michigan’s microbrews along with hard cider and several flavors of gourmet brats from northwestern Michigan markets. The event typically draws about 1,000 visitors.

The outdoor event, 2-9 p.m. at the base of the ski slopes at the Thompsonville resort, also features live music. Admission is $6; food and drink tickets are sold separately.

Nightly lodging packages start at $89 per person, per night. Don't wait too long, because the resort often books up during the holiday weekend.